CHAPTER XIV 



SCENT AND SEASONS 



THERE are few subjects of greater interest to the sports- 

 man, or which occasion more frequent inquiries 

 whether it is likely to prove good or bad, than scent; 

 but this is not remarkable, inasmuch as the success 

 of the day is subservient to its condition. The difficult 

 question cannot be elucidated till the wonderful faculty 

 of the hound solves the mystery. It concerns all 

 classes : fox-hunters, hare-hunters, stag-hunters, and 

 those who, with their pointers and double barrels, 

 range the fielda in pursuit of the feathered denizens of 

 stubbles and turnips. Although the practised savant 

 evades an absolute reply with caution, still will he en- 

 deavour indirectly to draw forth an opinion, his day's 

 enjoyment being so immediately connected with the 

 phenomenon. 



There are many causes which have a tendency to 

 affect the scent. The atmosphere is universally ad- 

 mitted as the principal agent; but we must go further 

 into the inquiry and examine to what extent and under 

 what circumstances the atmosphere affects the evapor- 

 ative and absorbent properties of the earth; and al- 

 though it is impossible to control the elements, some 

 conclusions may be drawn how under certain circum- 

 stances a day's sport is most likely to be obtained. 



Somerville, with his wonted talent, makes a few re- 

 marks on the subject, and comes to this conclusion : 



" Thus on the air 

 Depend the hunter's hopes." 



This must not, however, be taken in an abstract sense ; 



